More and more women are using Clenbuterol, which is commonly called “Clen”, to lose weight quickly. Fore some, this could be a potentially life threatening decision. Even short-term usage of Clenbuterol is known to produce side-effects such as headaches, muscle tremors, insomnia, restlessness, palpitations, increased perspiration, muscle spasms, increased blood pressure, and nausea. Long-term consumption of Clenbuterol may lead to serious health problems. Permanent side effects, such as left-sided cardiac atrophy, can occur very quickly; in as little as one month in some cases when Clenbuterol is taken in high doses.

See also related article: Clenbuterol and Weight Loss

What is Clenbuterol?

Recently, the media have been reporting on the revelation that, for well over a decade, celebrities have been using Clenbuterol. Clenbuterol HCL, also known as Clenbuterol Hydrochloride, Ventipulmin, Spiropent, Novegam and Oxyflux, is a drug that is growing in popularity as an illegal diet pill.

Clenbuterol was initially developed to alleviate asthma symptoms in horses by relaxing the muscles in the airways. Its stimulant effect on the heart and central nervous system is comparable with adrenalin or amphetamines.

Clenbuterol is illegal in the US for human use. This is due to the fact that the drug has side-effects, such as palpitations and arrhythmia [irregular heartbeat], and has been linked to several cases of poisoning. In the US and most countries in Europe, Clenbuterol is prohibited for use in animals that will enter the food chain.

Although many dieters would like to use Clenbuterol for weight loss indefinitely, the drug is rarely taken for more than a month at a time. This is due to progressive loss of effectiveness. It is believed that this reduction in efficacy is due to a drug induced decline in the number of beta-2 receptors in the body over time, making Clenbuterol less potent. If the dose is increased, little additional benefit is achieved and side-effects become a major problem.

Side-effects of Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is usually only effective for around 4 weeks. Thereafter, the body develops resistance to the drug. Short-term usage of Clenbuterol is known to produce side-effects. These side-effects are usually short-lived and often subside after 8-10 days, despite continued use of the drug. Side-effects of Clenbuterol are dose-dependant and include:

• Headaches
• Light-headiness
• Dizziness
• Pallor
• Heartburn
• Weakness
• Paradoxical bronchospasm
• Dysuria
• Dry mouth
• Muscular tremors (especially hand shakes)
• Muscular cramps
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Facial flushing
• Sweating
• Increased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Possible cardiac hypertrophy
• Heart muscle necrosis has been demonstrated in animal studies

After ingestion, Clenbuterol remains in the body for up to 39 hours. As a result of its long residence time, the adverse effects of Clenbuterol can be prolonged. Long-term consumption of Clenbuterol may lead to serious health problems. Permanent side effects, such as left-sided cardiac atrophy, can occur very quickly; in as little as one month in some cases when Clenbuterol is taken in high doses.

Clenbuterol overdose

Other side-effects can develop rapidly when overdosing on the drug: sudden racing heart beat (tachycardia), irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), depleted phosphate levels, potassium depletion, taurine depletion, headaches, tremors, vertigo and even stroke. Liver damage is also possible. Sudden death is possible at very high doses of Clenbuterol.

Symptoms may begin within minutes of ingestion of Clenbuterol at high doses, and last for hours/ days leading to prolonged toxicity due to the long-half life of the drug.

Because Clenbuterol can increase muscle definition and reduces fat, livestock are often dosed with the drug. In Spain in 1994, 140 people were hospitalised after they consumed meat tainted with Clenbuterol. They suffered dizziness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, shakes and headaches. In China recently, the newspaper People’s Daily reported that 336 people in Shanghai had been poisoned after eating pork contaminated with Clenbuterol. The drug had been banned by the Chinese government in the 1990s.

Clenbuterol interaction with other drugs

Caution is advised when using Clenbuterol in combination with other adrenoceptor agonists, as side effects are likely to be cumulative. It is for this reason that it is not recommended to use ephedrine/ephedra (or ma huang) or the ECA stack (ephedrine-caffeine-aspirin) whilst taking Clenbuterol.

Clenbuterol studies in rats

Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia recently gave Clenbuterol to laboratory rats at a dose of 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.
After only 4 weeks, Clenbuterol-treated rats were unable to maintain the activity levels of normal untreated rats. The hearts of the Clenbuterol-treated rats increased dramatically in size compared to untreated rats, but unfortunately heart growth was probably due to the infiltration of collagen fibres into the heart walls, not to an increase in heart-muscle cell size and density. Collagen is a tough connective tissue which stiffens the organs in which it grows. In the case of the heart, the presence of collagen fibers would lead to a decrease in cardiac output. Increases in collagen may also result in cardiac arrhythmias. Clenbuterol treated rats also suffered from noticeable cardiac-cell degeneration.

Clenbuterol and Weight Gain

Despite the fact that the list of potential side-effects induced by Clenbuterol is extensive, there is one side-effect that is probably of key interest to slimmers. In the long-term Clenbuterol is known to suddenly lose its efficacy and can cause rapid weight gain - possibly due to a sudden slowing in the body’s metabolic rate.

Clenbuterol dosage

Clenbuterol can be administered as an inhaler spray, orally and intravenously. It is usually taken orally by slimmers and bodybuilders in dosages ranging between 20 and 60 micrograms a day. Users who have never taken Clenbuterol before, or users who have been off the drug for several weeks or months, typically start with one 20 milligram pill. Starting Clenbuterol at higher doses may induce noticeable side-effects.

Generally, Clenbuterol is gradually increased, depending on how well it is tolerated. The highest typical daily dose range is two to four tablets (40-80 micrograms) for women and two to eight tablets (40-160 micrograms) for men.

The information presented in this article is strictly for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of healthcare professionals.

Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) or Adderall XR (extended release version) is currently classified as a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Weight loss is a common side effect of taking Adderall. In fact, losing weight may be one of the reasons why so many people abuse Adderall.

Many users mistakenly believe that snorting or injecting Adderall is safe because it is a prescription drug. They take Adderall at much higher doses than normally prescribed. But even people who snort or inject normal doses of Adderall are putting themselves at higher risk, because administering a drug in this manner permits direct entry into the bloodstream, making the drug more potent and dangerous.

Snorting Adderall effectively fast tracks it to the brain. The resulting blood pressure increase could cause serious heart rhythm problems. A stroke or an arrhythmia is also possible.

Adderall: Celebrity weight loss pill?

According to a recent report in the New York Daily News, a number of female celebrities have used prescription Adderall as a weight loss supplement. Reports even suggest that some of these celebrities have resorted to crushing and snorting these pills as a way to deliver a quicker effect. And this is probably just the tip of the iceberg of Adderall abuse.

Side effects of Adderall

Amphetamines like Adderall are often abused. Taking amphetamines for long periods of time can lead to dependence.

As with any prescription drug, there are side effects in taking Adderall at the recommended doses. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by a healthcare provider.

Adderall has been extensively evaluated in clinical trials. Headaches (including migraines) have been reported in up to 26% of adults taking Adderall XR (data for Adderall is not available). Headaches were not as common in children taking Adderall XR.

For people taking Adderall, depression is a reported side effect, although the specific frequency has not been determined. Depression has not been recorded as a common side effect in short-term studies of Adderall XR. However, about 1% of children stopped taking the medicine because of depression. At this time, it is difficult to say how common it is for people taking Adderall or Adderall XR to experience depression.

The most common side effects of Adderall include:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Hot flashes
• Stomach pains
• Nausea
• Heavy sweating
• Involuntary movements

You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Adderall or Adderall XR if you have:

• Heart problems of any kind
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Mental illness, including bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders (such    as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
• Seizures
• Tourette syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
• Any allergies
• Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol regularly

Symptoms of Adderall overdose

Taking too much Adderall or Adderall XR could lead to symptoms that could include:

• Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
• Fast breathing
• Confusion
• Fever
• Muscle pains
• Shakiness
• Aggressiveness
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)

If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Snorting Adderall

In addition to achieving weight loss, Adderall is frequently taken as a study drug because of its ability to enhance concentration and mental focus for long periods of time.

Many users mistakenly think that snorting or injecting Adderall is safe because it is a prescription drug. They take it in very high doses, much higher than normally prescribed. But even people who snort or inject normal doses of Adderall are putting themselves at higher risk, because snorting or injecting drugs permits direct entry into the bloodstream, making the drug more potent and dangerous.

Snorting Adderall effectively fast tracks it to the brain. The resulting blood pressure increase could cause serious heart rhythm problems. A stroke or an arrhythmia is also possible. Combining Adderall with alcohol further increases the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

Adderall and pregnancy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes a pregnancy category system to quantify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans, but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Additionally, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.

Adderall was given a pregnancy Category C rating because it was shown to cause birth defects and miscarriages in mice. Other studies in rodents have demonstrated that when Adderall was administered during pregnancy it caused problems with brain chemicals. This resulted in long-term learning and memory problems.

Adderall can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This reduction in growth rate is usually minimal (less than an inch in height). In time, children usually catch up to within normal height levels.

Adderall side effects that need to be reported

There are a number of serious side effects in taking Adderall that need to be reported to a healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

• Suicidal tendencies
• Mental confusion
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Depression
• Strange or more aggressive behavior than normal
• Hallucinations
• Agitation or restlessness
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Unexplained rash
• Hives
• Uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, mouth, arms, or legs (known as tics)

Less common Adderall side effects

There are other rare Adderall side effects that have been reported. These include:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Constipation
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Impotence
• Decreased sex drive

If you have seizures, heart problems, or mental problems, Adderall can aggravate the symptoms of these conditions.

Adderall drug interactions

Adderall can potentially interact with many drugs. Some of the drugs that may lead to Adderall interactions include:

• Acetazolamide (Diamox®)
• Amitriptyline (Elavil®)
• Ammonium chloride
• Certain antacids, such as sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate (Tums®)
• Certain sleep medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®, Tylenol PM®)
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• Desipramine (Norpramin®)
• Doxepin (Sinequan®)
• Ethosuximide (Zarontin®)
• Haloperidol (Haldol®)
• Imipramine (Tofranil®)
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• Lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®, Lithonate®)
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Meperidine (Demerol®)
• Methenamine (Hiprex®, Urex®)
• Norepinephrine (Levophed®)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal®)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin®)
• Propoxyphene (Da rvocet®, Darvon®)
• Protriptyline (Vivactil®)
• Reserpine
• Selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Zelapar®)

Several herbal and nutritional supplements can also interact with Adderall. Examples of these include, but are not limited to:

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• Glutamic acid
• Guarana
• Melatonin.

This list of Adderall drug interaction is not fully comprehensive. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to healthcare provider if taking another drug or compound in combination with Adderall.

Related article: Adderall: Celebrity Weight Loss Pill

Disclaimer: This website and its contents are intended for information purposes only, and are not meant to diagnose any disease.

Considerable doubt remains as to the purity of Zhen de Shou diet pills. The so called original Zhen de Shou diet pills are believed by many to contain Sibutramine, while the fake ones have also been shown to contain Ephedra and other damaging substances.

Sibutramine, also known as Meridia and Reductil, is a licensed prescription drug used for the treatment of obesity. Ephedra containing products are banned in North America and Europe.

What is Zhen de Shou?

Zhen de Shou is a Chinese manufactured weight loss supplement that promises significant weight loss in a short amount of time. Numerous potentially dangerous fake versions can be found on the market. Current reports indicate five known imitations of Zhen de Shou. Its primary promoter and retail agent is Magic Potions (www.magic-potions.com), a company that sells a number of products designed for health and wellness as well as beauty products.

Zhen de Shou is designed to suppress appetite and increase metabolism in order to facilitate weight loss. Zhen de Shou also stimulates thirst, leading to an increased intake of liquids. This is believed to help flush out toxins.

Ingredients of Zhen de Shou

The primary ingredients in Zhen de Shou are said to be sourced from an area of China known as Shennong’s Ladder or Shennongjia. This is a National Reserve forest in which around 1300 medicinal plants grow.

Zhen de Shou contains:

Crataegus Pinnatifida, which is also known as Shenxianye or Fairy Leaves, is believed to increase metabolism and help promote fat loss. Konjac, the active ingredient in this plant, is used to restrict the absorption of fat from the intestinal tract by limiting lipase activity. As a result, more dietary fat is discharged from the body as waste.

Zhen de Shou also contains safflower, gingko-nut, cassia, alga (luoxuanxao) and konjacflour.

Sibutramine in Zhen de Shou

Sibutramine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is the neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for generating the feeling of satiety. Sibutramine works by preventing the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Since the serotonin is not being removed from the body, appetite is effectively suppressed. Elevated levels of norepinephrine, due to the presence of sibutramine, help boost energy.

Side Effects of Zhen de Shou

Side effects in slimmers taking Zhen de Shou diet pills have led to a recall of the product within the US by the FDA. Pills were found to contain sibutramine, an ingredient that is not listed on the product label.

Not declaring sibutramine as an ingredient in Zhen de Shou poses serious health risks. This drug can significantly increase both blood pressure and pulse rate. Some say that the original product does not produce these side effects and that the side effects have been attributed to an imitation brand. This has resulted in appreciable controversy – Does a pure version of Zhen de Shou actually exist? It is difficult to tell because Zhen de Shou diet pills do not carry certified verification of ingredients and purity from a reputable analytical laboratory.

People with the following medical conditions, or taking certain prescription drugs, should not take sibutramine: hypertension; hyperthyroidism; heart/coronary disease; liver/kidney disease; epilepsy/seizures; bleeding/clotting problems; glaucoma; gallstones; bulimia; depression; drugs that affect the serotonin/norepinephrine levels in the brain such as antidepressants (e.g. Prozac).

Recommended dosage of Zhen de Shou

Each pack contains 10 capsules (250 mg/capsule). A single capsule is taken once daily 30 minutes before breakfast.

FDA recall of Zhen de Shou

All lots of Zhen de Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10 count blister cards are being recalled by Fashion Sanctuary, a major retailer of the product, in conjunction with the FDA.

The diet capsules are being recalled because they have been found to contain sibutramine. This makes Zhen de Shou an unapproved drug. Sibutramine is an FDA approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. However, because the drug is not listed on the package label, there is a potential threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.

The capsules are mainly sold in the US, via the Internet. They are packaged in a box with an inner foil pouch. Inside the pouch is a blister pack containing light and dark green capsules. This recall affects all lot codes and use by dates.

Nausea may be experienced by some users of Slim Bomb, a stimulant heavy diet pill (also called Blue Bomb, Slimming Bomb, Blue Tablet and Diet Bomb). Disturbed sleep or insomnia is possible, particularly if Slim Bomb is taken in the evening. Anxiety and restlessness have been reported by some users.

A cause for concern with Slim Bomb is that the website does not provide a full list of the ingredients contained in this weight loss product, and other information provided is very brief and rather vague. It is clear from the ingredients that Slim Bomb has a very high caffeine content.

Slim Bomb Ingredients

The manufacturers state that the Slim Bomb formula is a closely guarded secret and merely list the main ingredients, without disclosing their concentration levels in the formulation.

Slim Bomb’s main ingredients are:

Cha de Burge
Green tea leaf extract
Caffeine

Looking at the ingredients in greater detail:

Cha De Burge: This is a cherry like fruit that is traditionally used in Brazil to kill viruses, treat fevers, and aid weight loss. Cha De Bugre is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in various diet and weight loss supplements due to the fact that is has stimulant properties comparable with those found in ephreda. Cha De Bugre is claimed to decrease appetite, reduce cellulite, boost energy and support better circulation. Cha De Bugre does contain caffeine. Various customer testimonials can be found online for a variety of different products containing Cha De Bugre, though they are mixed. Some people have found this product to be helpful to them and their weight loss goals, while many others have found the product makes very little difference.

If sensitive to caffeine, the side effects could include the shakes, nervousness, nausea, and other adverse effects. Cha De Bugre also has diuretic properties. While this can be beneficial to help flush impurities out of the body, taking Cha De Bugre could lead to dehydration. Caffeinated products should be avoided while using anything that contains Cha De Bugre because of its stimulant properties. Negative side effects have been reported such as insomnia, dry mouth and anxiety. There is no clinical research or studies to show the effectiveness of Cha De Bugre. This product should not be used by patients with heart conditions or high blood pressure. Cha De Bugre is not a compound that should be taken for an extended period because it has strong stimulant properties.

Green tea extract: Studies have shown that the tea can elevate metabolism and inhibit the action of the enzyme amalyse. Research has demonstrated that it is the catechin, EGCG, in combination with caffeine that is the main active ingredient in the green tea extract. Green tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee. If sensitive to caffeine, potential side-effects can include: jitters, insomnia, headaches and increased heart rate.

Caffeine: This compound is a thermogenic agent with clinically proven benefits for weight loss. Caffeine is a stimulant-based ingredient often used in dietary supplements. Caffeine can optimize energy, stimulate thermogenesis and increase mental focus. Caffeine may cause restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination, skin rash and raised blood pressure.

Slim Bomb pros

• There are some positive user testimonials posted on the internet.

• There seems to be some promotional offers available online for Slim Bomb.

Slim Bomb cons

• The ingredients in Slim Bomb are not disclosed on the official website.

• Slim Bomb contains caffeine so slimmers sensitive to caffeine should avoid this product.

• Patients taking MAOI’s, SSRI’s, antidepressants, NSAIDS, corticosteroids or certain other medications should not take this product.

• Patients who have diabetes, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments or certain other medical conditions should not take Slim Bomb.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Slim Bomb.

• Prices for Slim Bomb are listed exclusively in Sterling. There is no currency converter located on the site.

Slim Bomb dosage

A bottle contains 160 capsules or a 40 day supply. It is recommended that two capsules are taken daily at 10.00am and another two at 3.00pm.

Slim Bomb manufacturer’s contact details

Slim Bomb is manufactured by DPlan Ltd.

DPlan Contact details:

DPlan Ltd
Freemans House
Thornaby Road
Thornaby On Tees
Cleveland
TS17 8AA
United Kingdom

Phone: 01642 803454
Fax: 01642 803454

Email: orders@dplan.co.uk
VAT 816 9041 28

Manufacturer’s recommendations

You should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise or dietary program.

Related article: Slim Bomb

A warning was recently issued by the FDA regarding a sizable number of weight loss supplements found to have potentially dangerous ingredients. Many of these supplements claim to be “natural” or contain only “herbal” ingredients. Very worryingly they actually contain pharmaceutical ingredients and other chemicals.

FDA analysis revealed that the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in some of these supplements included rimonabant (a banned obesity drug associated with the risk of serious side effects including psychiatric problems and even suicide), sibutramine (a prescription-only weight loss drug), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and phenolphthalein (a suspected cancer causing agent). Some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, making these rogue diet supplements a serious health hazard.

The following supplements are listed on the FDA alert:

• 2 Day Diet
• 3 Day Diet
• 7 Day Herbal Slim
• 7 Diet Day/Night Formula
• Extrim Plus
• 999 Fitness Essence
• Fatloss Slimming
• 8 Factor Diet
• GMP
• Imelda Perfect Slim
• 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
• Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet
• Lida DaiDaihua
• Miaozi Slim Capsules
• Perfect Slim
• Perfect Slim 5x
• Phyto Shape
• ProSlim Plus
• Royal Slimming Formula
• Slim 3 in 1
• Slim Express 360
• 3x Slimming Power
• Slimtech
• Somotrim
• Superslim
• TripleSlim
• Zhen de Shou
• Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

Many negative testimonials have been posted on the internet by dissatisfied customers who have purchased Nuphedrine. Is Nuphedrine just another diet pill scam? The key ingredients are claimed to deliver weight loss by suppressing appetite. Unfortunately the manufacturers do not reveal the quantities of each ingredient included in the formulation. This information is critical in making an accurate assessment of the quality of this weight loss product.

The manufacturer of Nuphedrine is Prime World Syndicate, a company that some have claimed to be ‘one of the largest scammers of weight loss products online today.’ Prime World Syndicate own at least three ‘impartial’ product review websites tailored to ‘encourage’ people to order their dieting products: WeKnowDiets.com; Sensational.com & DietBlogTalk.com.

Nuphedrine’s ingredients

Nuphedrine is a weight loss formula that promises to diminish food cravings, suppress appetite, and increase energy. It contains three ingredients:

Advantra-Z: This ingredient is a patented form of synephrine or Citrus aurantium. Synephrine, which has been put forward as an alternative to ephedra, has replaced this compound in many popular fat burners.

Hoodia gordonii: There is considerable debate about the efficacy of Hoodia gordonii. A key concern with Hoodia is authenticity.

Animal research using the active ingredient (P57) in Hoodia gordonii has indicated that it can indeed suppress appetite, resulting in significant weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study has been carried out by Phytopharm, a UK biotechnology company. In this study overweight male volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either Hoodia extract (a product not yet on the market), or a placebo twice daily for 15 days. The Hoodia extract group showed a statistically significant reduction in the average daily calorie intake compared with the placebo (p= 0.014). There was also a statistically significant reduction in body fat content compared with the placebo (p=0.035). By day 15 the calorie intake had decreased by approximately 1000 calories per day. However, many medical weight loss experts remain sceptical and do not recommend the currently available Hoodia products to obese patients.

Slimaluma: This ingredient is a high grade extract of Caralluma fimbriata, a succulent plant with a long history amongst the labor classes in South India, where it is used to suppress appetite and enhance endurance. A clinical study from a research center in India showed a significant drop in subject body weight after 2 months of taking Slimaluma.

Nuphedrine side effects

Manufacturers claim that Synephrine provides the “fat burning” effects of ephedra, but without side effects such as sleeplessness, jitters, elevated blood pressure, etc. However, there are studies that indicate that Synephrine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate (e.g. Ann. Pharmacother. [2006] 40(1):53-7).

Side effects reported for Slimaluma are gastro-intestinal in nature and included acidity (moderate), constipation (mild) and flatulence (mild to moderate).These effects subsided within a week after commencement of the studies.

The Nuphedrine website

On the official website it is claimed that ‘Nuphedrine is the only pill to bring you both: Real Certified South African Hoodia & Patented Advantra-Z.’ This claim is incorrect, because another weight loss product, Miracleburn, makes the same claim.

There are also manufacturers out there that state that they use ‘real certified’ Hoodia gordonii when in fact they do not. They merely show a faked image of a CITES certificate to convince potential customer that their Hoodia gordonii ingredient is real and certified.

In the USA, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Customs and Border Protection regulate the importation and re-exportation of species such as Hoodia gordonii. Current U.S. laws stipulate that not only must a CITES certificate accompany shipments of Hoodia gordonii, but that the importers must possess a permit issued by the USDA to import Terrestrial Plants. In addition to CITES and USDA certificates a consumer should look for a report from an independent testing laboratory verifying the presence of Hoodia gordonii.

Nuphedrine Pros

• Contains Clinically Tested Advantra-Z

• Contains Clinically Tested SlimaLuma

• 60 Day 100% Money-Back Guarantee

• Some positive testimonials

Nuphedrine Cons

• Expensive.

• Dubious manufacturer

• Propriety blend

• Numerous negative reviews and testimonials

• CITES certificate shown on website is generic and does not name the manufacturer

Nuphedrine dosage

Each bottle contains 90 capsules, or one month’s supply. The manufacturer recommends taking 3 capsules per day; two capsules in the morning on an empty stomach or 1-2 hours after eating and a third capsule mid day.

Contact details for Nuphedrine

Phone: 284-4943034

PO Box 4406
Road Town, Other,
Virgin Islands

Manufacturer’s recommendations

The manufacturer recommends a sensible diet and an exercise program while taking Nuphedrine. They caution not to take Nuphedrine without first talking to a doctor if pregnant or have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, anorexia, bulimia or any other eating disorder. Keep out of reach of children.

Reported side effects from taking Hot Rox Extreme weight loss pills include the jitters, rash, headaches, insomnia, hot flashes, severe nausea and dizziness. The manufacturer recommends that that pregnant or breast feeding women should not take Hot Rox Extreme. Those who are elderly or chronically ill should also avoid Hot Rox Extreme. Due to the presence of piperine in Hot Rox Extreme, patients taking medications should avoid this supplement.

The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated or issued statements on many of the ingredients in Hot Rox Extreme, and clinical studies have not been carried out on the product itself or potential interactions with prescription drugs. It is therefore not advisable to take Hot Rox Extreme without consulting a medical practitioner.

How does Hot Rox Extreme work?

Hot Rox Extreme by Biotest is claimed to increase fat loss by up to 500%. It is said to achieve this by using a proprietary thermogenic formula which consists mainly of substances that increase lipase activity. Biotest heavily promote the apparent, ‘feel good’ effect after taking Hot Rox Extreme. This weight loss product is one of the latest generation of ephedra-free fat burners.

Hot Rox Extreme Dosage

Each bottle of Hot Rox Extreme contains 110 capsules. It is recommended to take 1 or 2 capsules of Hot Rox Extreme in the morning prior to breakfast and 1 or 2 capsules six hours later, each time on an empty stomach with 8 oz. of water. If a first time user of Hot Rox Extreme supplement, then begin by taking 1 capsule twice per day for 3 days prior to increasing the dose. Do not exceed 4 capsules in any 24-hour period. For best results, the manufacturer recommends taking Hot Rox Extreme for at least 1 month. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take Hot Rox Extreme within 6 hours of bedtime.

Ingredients of Hot Rox Extreme

There are two main active ingredients in Hot Rox Extreme: A7-E Super-Thermogenic Gel XXX500 and sclaremax, with guggulsterone functioning as a ‘booster’. Other ingredients include Carbolin™ 19, piperine, Yohimbine HCl, and caffeine.

A7-E Super-Thermogenic Gel: The website claims that A7-E is the longest lasting fat burning ingredient known to science. Biotest states that they have tested A7-E on human subjects, yet no clinical trial findings have been published.

Carbolin™ 19 (forskolin 1,9-carbonate): This is one of the ingredients incorporated in A7-E. Biotest claims that Carbolin 19 is a highly pure version of forskolin, which can help the body gain muscle mass. Unfortunately, the amount of forskolin in Carbolin 19, is not revealed.

Piperine: This compound is the alkaloid that makes black pepper so pungent. If any of the ingredients in Hot Rox Extreme Pills work the way that Biotest claims, then the addition of piperine could be helpful. Unfortunately, this compound could inhibit the metabolism of other drugs. In doing so, it may increase the bioavailability of other compounds, so a physician should be consulted prior to taking this weight loss supplement.

Yohimbine HCl: Biotest claims that Yohimbine HCl can block receptors that can make stubborn areas of the body resistant to fat loss. They present Yohimbine HCl as a fat spot reducer. A study conducted by the Institute of Sport Medicine, Sports Academy Belgrade did in fact find that Yohimbine HCl can reduce body fat in athletes. Yohimbine HCL may have excellent antioxidant potential. It is also believed to function as a vasodilator, boosting blood flow to the body’s extremities. As such, it has traditionally been used to treat erectile dysfunction. Do not use this ingredient is you have any form of hypertension.

Caffeine: The amount of caffeine in Hot Rox Extreme is not given. This is a cause for concern. Caffeine is a thermogenic compound. It has been shown to increase adrenaline levels; this hormone increases alertness and boosts energy levels. If sensitive to caffeine, potential side-effects can include: restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor, heart palpitations, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination and skin rash.

Guggulsterones: Derived from the Indian Guggul tree, these compounds stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxin. This has the effect of increasing the body’s metabolic rate and, as a consequence, more fat is burnt. Some users have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort in taking guggulsterones.

Sclaremax: This compound is a diterpenoidal lactone found in a plant called Salvia sclarea. It is known to be an extremely potent adenylate cyclase activator, very similar to that of the diterpene derivative, forskolin, but with a much longer active life. The end result in taking this compound is stimulation of increased thyroid hormone production.

N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine: This is the amino acid tyrosine in free (unbound) form. Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays an important role in metabolism. It is the precursor to stimulatory neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and some of the thyroid hormones. All of these neurotransmitters and hormones play important roles in maintaining the body’s metabolic rate. Increased levels of tyrosine in the body can increase meatabolic rate. Several studies have also shown that tyrosine increases the benefits of caffeine/ephedrine products, in part by curbing appetite. The amount of L-tyrosine in Hot-Rox is not indicated on the product label. Toxicological studies indicate that tyrosine is quite safe.

Raspberry ketone: This is an aromatic compound found in red raspberries. Raspberry ketone has been shown to stimulate lipolysis in both white and brown adipose tissue.

The Hot Rox Extreme website

The Hot Rox Extreme website (Biotest.net) is a typical bodybuilding supplement website. It does, however, provide an ingredients label and a brief description of the product and some of its ingredients.

Hot Rox Extreme Pros

• Ephedra-free

Hot Rox Extreme Cons

• Contains caffeine
• Unsubstantiated claims
• On the expensive side
• Numerous negative customer testimonials
• There is not a 100% money-back guarantee with this product
• Propriety blend (ingredient amounts are not given)

Hot Rox Extreme Conclusions

Hot Rox Extreme is designed primarily for the bodybuilding community, and as such, should be avoided by the average person seeking to lose weight. Hot Rox Extreme has not yet been validated for safe use in man. There are no published clinical studies on this product.

Other Common Names: Biotest Hot Rox, Hot Rox Thermogenix, HotRox

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned dieters and body builders to stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold weight loss supplement. The FDA has received 23 reports of liver problems, including the death of a 19-year-old boy living in the Southwest. The teenager died in 2007, and the death was reported to the FDA in March 2009.

The FDA has stated that the maker of the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products. Sold in grocery stores and pharmacies, Hydroxycut is advertised as consisting of natural ingredients. At least 9 million packages were sold last year, the FDA said.

Side effects experienced by Hydroxycut users ranged from jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, to liver failure. One received a transplant and another was placed on a list to await a new liver.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. distributor of the diet pill, Iovate Health Sciences, headquartered near Buffalo, N.Y. The product is manufactured by a Canadian company.

Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers do not need to demonstrate to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can market them to consumers. But the FDA monitors aftermarket reports for adverse effects. In recent years companies have been put under stricter requirements to alert the FDA when health problems are reported.

It appears to have taken so long to identify the serious health issue with the consumption of Hydroxycut because the cases of liver damage were rare and the FDA has no authority to review supplements before they are marketed. As a result isolated adverse events are often difficult to follow. The FDA relies on voluntary reports to detect such problems, and many cases are never reported, officials acknowledge.

So far it has not been possible to determine which Hydroxycut ingredients are potentially toxic, partially because the formulation of the products has changed several times. A study in a medical journal, last month, raised questions about one ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, derived from a tropical fruit. The article said this fruit extract could potentially damage the liver.

Which products are covered by this voluntary recall?

The following products are covered by this voluntary recall:
• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

Does the advisory state that Hydroxycut-branded products should no longer be taken?

Yes. The FDA’s advisory states that, “Consumers who have these products are urged to stop using them.”

What if I want to return my Hydroxycut product. How do I do that?

For product refunds, consumers are directed to return their product directly to the place of purchase.

The One Week Health Diet by One Week Health offers rapid weight loss in as little as one week by drinking liquid meals. Very little information is available on the One Week Health Diet website (oneweek.co.uk). Unfortunately the actual ingredients in the liquid meals (plant juice) are not disclosed. This is a cause for concern.

The One Week Health Diet is a diet plan that has two components:

1. Liquid meals taken as a replacement of breakfast and an afternoon snack.

2. The One Week Health Diet Plan must be followed in combination with the liquid meals.

Key features of the One Week Diet System

• Liquid vegetable meal replacements (breakfast and afternoon snack)

• Diet plan with recipes is included in the package

• One Week Diet System is a body detoxifying program

• Ingredients in the One Week Diet System are not disclosed (merely stated to be plant extracts)

• Average claimed weight loss per month with the One Week Diet System is 5-8 pounds

• The One Week Diet System costs £30 per week

• No clinical studies on the One Week Diet System have been carried out

• No money back guarantee

How does the One Week Health Diet work?

The One Week Health Diet liquid meals are claimed to act as a body detoxifying system. Formulated from plant extracts, the concentrated plant juice is said to be filled with vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes. The weight loss achieved through body cleansing diets usually lasts for a few days. In the first two weeks, users lose water weight and not fat.

It appears that One Week Health Diet has to be used for 1-3 months to lose significant weight. After first 2 weeks of usage, the product has to be taken on alternating weeks. On average (based on customer testimonials and user feedback online) a weight loss of 5-8 pounds in a month is realistic with the One Week Health Diet.

How much does One Week Health Diet cost?

The One Week Health Diet costs £30 a week. In the first month three weeks supply of the product is needed, amounting to £90.

One Week Health Diet side effects

The ingredients in the liquid meals or plant juice are not disclosed. As a consequence, it is not possible to predict potential side effects. The user feedback online is not particularly positive. Many dieters claim that they just lost water weight using the One Week Health Diet. As the product is a body cleansing system, it could potentially cause stomach upsets and diarrhea.

One Week Health Diet conclusion

It is possible to lose 5-8 pounds in a month just by eating healthy and doing some extra exercises such as cycling or brisk walking. The price of  the One Week Health Diet appears very high for the weight loss that can be achieved.

Without clinical trials to endorse the weight loss claims, or even details of what the ingredients are, the One Week Diet System must be used with caution.

One Week Diet System manufacturer contact details

One Week Health Ltd, the manufacturers of the One Week Diet System is a company registered in the United Kingdom under company number 6686767. The Company is incorporated in England & Wales.

European Customer Service: Freephone 0800 731 8299.
Or by e-mail at info@oneweek.co.uk

Warehouse address for any product returns:

One Week Health Ltd.
European Distribution Center
Norra Industrigatan 2
289 32 Knislinge
Sweden

Registered address for all letters:

One Week Health Ltd.
St.James House
13 Kensington Square
London W8 5HD
United Kingdom

Fenterdren is a fat burning diet pill that contains the stimulants synephrine, phenylethyamine and dicaffeine malate. The chemical make-up of synephrine is similar to ephedra and has been linked to a number of negative side effects including headaches, dizziness, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. Additionally, when added to other caffeine sources within the same product, it can further amplify these negative side effects. The makers of Fenterdren warn that users should not exceed the recommend dosage.

Another area of concern with Fenterdren is its combination of synephrine, phenylethylamine and dicaffeine malate. Research has shown that when these stimulating ingredients are combined, it can lead to adverse side-effects. These include anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, heart tremors and palpitations.

Fenterdren dosage

One bottle of Fenterdren 90 capsules and provides a one and a half month supply. The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule of Fenterdren with a full glass of water approximately thirty minutes before breakfast and one capsule with a full glass of water approximately thirty minutes before lunch. An intake of two capsules should not be exceeded in a 24 hour period.

Fenterdren ingredients

The ingredients in Fenterdren are synephrine (37.5 mg), phenylethyamine (37.5 mg) and dicaffeine malate (375 mg).

Dicaffeine malate: The compound may cause jitters, insomnia, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure. With 375 mg of caffeine, or the equivalent of nearly 4 cups of coffee, per capsule the effects of taking Fenterdren will certainly be felt. Originally used by the Coca Cola Company as an alternative to cocaine, DiCaffeine Malate is a stimulant-based ingredient used in soft drinks, energy drinks and dietary supplements. It combines natural caffeine with malic acid. The combination forms an ionic bonded compound which is gentle on the stomach and is claimed to optimize energy, stimulate thermogenesis and increase mental focus.

Synephrine: Since synephrine acts as a stimulant it is not recommended for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, and those who have history of heart problems, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. Side effects of synephrine may include: rapid increases in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches, tremors, low blood sugar, blood sugar imbalances, flushing of the skin, restlessness and agitation, These side effects are all similar in scope to ephedrine and ephedra-based diet drugs that are now banned from the market.

At first, synephrine looked like it might be an alternative to ephedra. However, since that time, clinical research has shown that synephrine demonstrates relatively minor weight loss effects. Synephrine is a drug that releases adrenaline and noradrenalin the body in order to stimulate the metabolism. The compound is derived from the fruit of Citrus aurantium, and is usually listed as Bitter Orange, Zhishi, and Sour Orange in ‘natural’ weight loss products.

Ongoing research and clinical trials will provide more information on the long-term effects of syneprhine, but until then, there is no conclusive evidence that the drug is safe. Almost all diet pills that contain synephrine have not been approved by the FDA.

Phenylethylamine (PEA): PEA should not to be taken with MAO (mono amine oxidase) inhibitor drugs. MAO inhibitors are a potent class of medications used to treat depression. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are being treated for depression or other neurological conditions you should consult your health care professional before using this product.

PEA is becoming a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements. This endogenous neuroamine is found in chocolate, certain algae and is produced in the brain from the amino acid D-Phenylalanine. It improves mood very rapidly and has been called the ‘Love Chemical’ because of its effect on beta endorphins, an opioid peptide responsible for pleasurable feelings. Due to it neuro-modulating actions it plays a key role in the feed/reward mechanisms of dietary behavior. In reality, phenylethylamine is metabolized by the enzyme monamine oxidase, and very little ingested PEA actually reaches the brain. However, if very high concentrations of PEA it can reach the brain in quantities sufficient to mimic amphtamine.